Herbs grown
for cooking are pleasing in taste and offer beauty, texture and aromatic
character. Consider creating your own herb garden. You can easily grow
herbs in small spaces. Herb gardens can be created in raised beds,
window boxes, in hanging pots, standard pots and in all sorts of
containers.

Some
examples include a "tea garden" with lemon balm, mint,
chamomile, lemon grass and Johnny Jump Ups for color. An "Herbs de
Provence garden" could contain all the herbs used in this culinary
blend that characterizes French cooking and grilling. The herbs for this
seasoning are thyme, basil, summer or winter savory, fennel and
lavender.

An
"Italian Seasoning garden" would include oregano, basil,
thyme, marjoram, rosemary, summer or winter savory and sage. This blend
is used in tomato sauce and lasagna.

The nice
thing about herbs grown in containers is that even if you don't use them
for cooking, they will thrive, look and smell good with minimum care.
Water and fertilize occasionally. Pinching them back will keep them
looking good.

Basil is one
of the most popular herbs. Genovese basil is a good variety for cooking.
We dedicate a whole greenhouse to growing basil in season. We also grow
basil as a field crop for people who want fresh basil for Pesto. We grow
purple basil for its use as a color contrast, for making basil vinegar
and as an attractive garnish on deserts.

Mini-bush
basil, with its tiny fine leaves and delicious aroma is also a good
container plant. The French call it "the good stuff" for its
sweet flavor and scent. The tiny leaved tips make an excellent garnish.

Lynn
made this herb garden herself, starting with the pot. Mix cement,
Perlite and sphagnum moss with water to a stiff consistency. Fill a
container with the mixture and remove the center until you have created
the rustic container shape you want. Let stand until completely
dry. Remove from mold and fill with potting soil. Herbs of any type can
be planted here. The Perlite and sphagnum reduce the weight of the
cement and make the container somewhat porous. Paint the container with
active yogurt and place it outside. Lichens will decorate it for you.